Some activities on District open space preserves require a use permit. The following information identifies activities requiring a permit, explains why such permits are necessary, and describes the permit process.

When are use permits required?

1. A group activity on District land requires a permit for any activity or event which:

is advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, electronic posting or flyer; or

* The term "after hours" is defined as one-half hour after official sunset to official sunrise the following day. The preserves are closed to the public during this time.

The District may grant, deny, or limit any permit after considering the suitability and impact of the proposed use and the effect of the proposed use upon the peace and convenience of other visitors to the preserves. Upon granting any permit, the District may attach reasonable conditions and restrictions regarding the activity. Any permit is subject to cancellation at any time for non-compliance with District rules and regulations.

How do I get a permit ?

The District now offers an online application system for most permits. All permit applicants should allow a minimum of 2 working days for permit processing.

A general use permit applies in most cases; however, please review the Additional Information for Specific Activities/Preserves below before submitting an application.

The Black Mountain Backpack Camp is the only campsite on District lands. The camp is a 1.5-mile hike from Page Mill Road and includes a 500-foot uphill climb from the parking lot. A permit is required, and the fee ($2 per night per camper) is payable after the camping trip.

Reservations are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the designated campsites fill up quickly, we encourage campers to check campsite availability before submitting a permit application. Please note that online availability does NOT guarantee a permit; applications are processed first come, first serve. Generally, applications should be submitted at least one week in advance. Reservations are available for one- or two-night stays throughout the year.

Overnight parking in the Monte Bello lot is BY PERMIT ONLY.

There are 4 campsites - 4 people maximum each site.
There is 1 group campsite - 24 people maximum.
(Maximum 40 people for entire campground.)

Visitors must arrive at campsite after 2:00 p.m. and BEFORE SUNSET. The surrounding preserve area is closed a half-hour
after sunset.

Please carry out everything you bring in, including refuse. The water is non-potable. Boil or filter before
using.

Bicyclists must wear a helmet.

Dogs are prohibited.

Radios or loud activities are prohibited.

Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited.

No one under 18 years old may camp on any District Lands, except when:
a) Accompanied by a parent or guardian; or
b) Part of a group supervised by at least one adult, each responsible for ten or fewer juveniles; or
c) The juvenile is an emancipated minor.

The District manages land preserves to protect and restore the natural environment. Each year, many people request permission to conduct fieldwork on the preserves which supports science, conservation, restoration, or the monitoring of environmental quality. When such activities are compatible with the District mission, the District provides limited permission to conduct fieldwork on the preserves. Usually the fieldwork relates to one of the following topics: conservation biology, natural resource management, biology, environmental sciences, ecology, or related studies. Successful permit applicants are expected to make their findings accessible to the public and the District through reports, publications, and/or presentations. Applicants must demonstrate a well-constructed research/project proposal, knowledge of the topic, a schedule for reporting, and a thorough plan to avoid potential adverse impacts to the environment that could be caused by the fieldwork

If your project falls within these guidelines, please complete the Fieldwork Permit Application. To expedite the review process, please be as complete and informative as possible in completing the form. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for permit approval and processing.

Permits are required for both still and motion photography. Parking is extremely limited, and non-District vehicles generally are not permitted on District preserves. Fees may apply. Please allow a minimum of one week for permit approval and processing.

A permit is not required to place or search for a cache, however all geocachers placing caches on District lands must be registered users with Geocaching.com and must comply with District Geocaching Guidelines as well as those established by Geocaching.com. Anyone placing or searching for a cache must do so during normal preserve hours and must follow the procedures as outlined in the District's Geocaching Guidelines.

Hang Gliding and Paraglidng at Windy Hill

Hang gliding and paragliding are possible at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. An advanced-rated pilot’s license along with membership in the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Inc. is required. For more specific information, please contact us at permits@openspace.org.

Parking at El Sereno Overlook Lot

A permit is required to park in this lot.

Permit applications should be submitted at least two business days in advance of the permit date requested. Applications submitted less than two business days in advance may be given consideration, but cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for the requested permit date.

The permit is valid for a specific date.

Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of six permits issued per day and 30 permits issued per month.

Permit applications should be submitted at least two business days in advance of the permit date requested. Applications submitted less than two business days in advance may be given consideration, but cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for the requested permit date.

A permit is required to fly a remote control glider at Windy Hill OSP.

Motorized planes and helicopters are NOT allowed.

Permit applications should be submitted at least two business days in advance of the permit date requested. Applications submitted less than two business days in advance may be given consideration, but cannot be guaranteed to be processed in time for the requested permit date.

Be prepared to remove all garbage as there are no trash cans at the Farm or in the Preserve.

Groups of 20 or more persons visiting the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and Deer Hollow Farm are required to obtain a permit well in advance of their visit. Unannounced large groups interfere with Farm activities, classes, and operations.

Parking is in the main parking lot. Carpooling is strongly advised.

Hay barn and picnic tables are first-come, first-served.

For your safety and that of the animals, please follow these farm guidelines:

Some District lands offer beautiful vistas that may be suitable for an outdoor wedding. However, limitations on parking, and the need for all participants to hike in to the location may limit the feasibility of holding a wedding on District lands. We recommend that anyone interested in having a ceremony on District lands review the basic conditions and suggested wedding locations and visit the potential site before requesting a wedding permit.

The District's Basic Policy states that "the District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care of open space land, allowing public access appropriate to the nature of the land and consistent with ecological values." Accordingly, the District encourages low-intensity recreation such as hiking, nature study, and picnicking.

The District will consider requests for short-term use of lands or facilities for such purposes as runs, equestrian events, weddings, or similar activities. To protect natural resources and provide for the safety of preserve visitors, a special use permit will be required.

For any permit request, the District wants to ensure that:

The activity will not have an adverse impact
on the ecological or historical character
of District land;

Rangers are available in case of emergencies;

The time, place and/or size of the event
will not disrupt or interfere with the normal
use of the site by other preserve visitors;
and

Scheduling conflicts are avoided,
i.e. two large groups in the same place at
the same time.